Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 4 (The World’s Worst Human!)

By admin On November 30th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 4

.

The World’s Worst Human!

Adolph Hitler – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

Do you remember seeing the video of the hanging of Saddam Hussein? Well, it was not a very nice thing, was it?

.

Or maybe we rather enjoyed seeing Saddam getting his just reward?

.

And what about all the other wicked despots and villains through history? How do we feel about them? Such men as Adolph Hitler, or Stalin, or the Boston Strangler, or Ted Bundy, or Jeffrey Dahmer?

.

Well, it would be difficult to feel any love for these evil men! That’s for sure!

.

Saddam Hussein Statue – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

DID CHRIST DIE FOR ADOLPH?

.

But what about Jesus Christ? Did He love those desperately wicked individuals? Did He also die for their sins?

.

There is a popular saying in Christendom, which says… “If you were the only sinner on earth, would Christ have come to die for you?”

.

And the obvious answer is that, “Yes, if you or I were the only sinner who ever lived, Christ would have given His life for you or I!”

.

Well then, what if Adolph Hitler was the only sinner, would Christ have given His life for Adolph? Or what about Osama Bin Laden? Would Christ have given His life for that evil man?

.

Or did Christ merely give His life for we who are not considered to be so bad?

.

So then, if Christ did give His life for the Bin-Ladens and Ted Bundys of the world, then what should our position be, concerning such evil men?

.

ABOVE STAR-CHART (constellations found on Wikipedia and Bible constellations drawn in by this website) – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

.

PAUL, THE CHIEF OF SINNERS!

.

Listen to Paul, the Apostle… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1st Timothy 1:15

.

**Well, Paul (who was a mass murderer prior to his salvation) here is calling himself, “the chief of sinners”! This means that Paul considered himself to be the worst of the worst!**

.

**But remarkably, Paul likewise says that this saying is “worthy of all acceptance”! In other words, you or I can also say along with Paul, “I too, am the chief of sinners”!**

.

Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

.

WELL, I’M NOT SO BAD, AM I?

.

But how can this be? After all, I live a highly moral life! I pay all my taxes, and go to church and pay my tithes! “No, no, no, I am definitely not the chief of sinners! No way could I be compared to Adolph Hitler! No way could I be in the same station with such men as Osama bin-Laden or with those cut-throats over there in the Middle East!”

.

But the Bible makes this statement about you and me… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9, 10

.

GOD LOOKETH UPON THE HEART

.

The True Accusing Finger www.signsofheaven.org share-alike license- you may use

You see, while we judge according to outward appearances, the Lord looks upon the incredible wickedness which exists deep within our hearts!

And the fact is, God could have easily allowed the Devil to use you or me, instead of Adolph Hitler, if we had lived back then in Germany!

.

Yes, we have that much wickedness in our hearts! None of us can hold our head up!

.

And none of us will hold our head up high on Judgment Day, when God reveals the hidden things of darkness, and the secrets of men’s hearts, that exists in each one of us!

.

WHAT DO WE OWE SUCH WICKED MEN?

.

And so, now that we are Christians, we must ask ourselves the following questions: if Christ gave His life for such wicked men as Hitler, and Stalin, and bin-Laden, then what do we owe all the wicked men and women who are still living their evil lives in today’s world?

.

Do we owe them our prayers for God’s mercy and grace?

.

Should we pray for their Salvation?

.

Should we have Christ’s love for them?

.

And do I truly believe that I am the, “chief of sinners?”

.

Brooklyn Museum – What Our Lord Saw from the Cross – James Tissot

.

IMAGE IN THE MIRROR

.

The longer that a man or woman serves the Lord, truly serves the Lord, the greater becomes our painful awareness of just what great sinners we really are!

.

And the more we gaze into the mirror of the Bible, we begin to see ourselves against the image of Christ’s majesty and supreme righteousness! And the more we look into that mirror, the brighter becomes that glorious mirror-image of Christ!

.

And through our many trials, God reveals to us our inner wickedness! And gradually, we grow more painfully aware of just what dirty rotten sinners we really are!

.

Girl with round mirror – Wikimedia – US public domain.

.

OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS AS FILTHY RAGS

.

And then, as we look out into a world full of murderers and rapists, and child-molesters and sodomites, and whoremongers, and thieves, and kidnappers and extortionists, we realize that we are no better than they! And though we have never outwardly committed such heinous crimes, yet the capacity to do so, exists within each and every one of us!

.

Now don’t think that such knowledge and realization of our own latent wickedness is a bad thing! No, the more that God reveals our inner evil, the greater will be our willingness to bow down to the only truly good and righteous Personage in the universe, God!

.

And we will then be able to say along with Job… “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5, 6

.

Yes, God allowed the Devil to sift Job as wheat is sifted. And even though Job was outwardly flawless, yet through that sifting process, Job became painfully aware of his own inward wickedness!

.

And now that we are at that Day which will try men’s souls, God’s people must remember that the coming tribulation will ultimately purify their hearts, and conform their lives into Christ’s glorious image, so that they can also say along with Job… “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

.

And this is the purpose for which God sends His people through these various humbling trials: to purify their hearts and conform their lives into the glorious image of our beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus!

.

Job – Wikipedia – US public-domain

Goldkey logo removed – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand that a world of evil exists within my own heart! And give me a Christlike love for all mankind; even those who commit heinous acts of wickedness, praying sincerely for their Salvation…

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

The info and pics of the constellations on this site are all taken from Wikipedia and from The Internation Astronomical Union (click here to view their site)

.

7 STARS IMITATE THE CROSS OF ORION

.

LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night.

.

This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

**When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!**

.

TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 5 (Whose Name Is Engraven On My Heart?)”

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #400 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 3 (Our Favorite Babysitter: Satan!)

By admin On November 30th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 3

.

Our Favorite Babysitter: Satan!

TV – the babysitter

.

We parents have, at one time or another, hired a babysitter. And what we got was usually less-than the ideal.

.

In other words, the babysitter was most often some teenager, who probably spent most of her time talking on the phone, while our children played within her eyesight.

.

And we were content with this, since their physical safety was our main concern!

.

The Phone Call – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

Of course, as Christian parents, our great hope was to find some babysitter who would read Christian stories to our children. Or maybe they would also sing Christian songs, or look at pictures of nature, relating those nature pictures to our Creator-God!

.

Now that would indeed be money well-spent, to find such a godly babysitter! Wouldn’t you agree?

.

Babysitting – Cassatt Mary Nurse Reading to a Little Girl – 1895 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

TODAY’S HIGH-TECH BABYSITTER!

.

Unfortunately, the television also makes a great babysitter, and has now become the primary designated babysitter in many homes! It keeps kids entertained for hours!

.

The problem is, TV will ultimately conform children to this Antichrist world-system, and to the character of Satan!

.

And we all instinctively know it is evil, and yet it’s so convenient to simply plop them down, and let the TV do all the work!

.

ANSWERING FOR OUR CHILDREN ON JUDGMENT DAY

.

But make no mistake! On Judgment Day, many parents will stand before the throne of God and answer for the Mark of Satan’s character written upon the hearts of their children!

.

And all because they allowed them access to the television and other high-tech devices, for their enjoyment!

.

Oh yes, Satan starts very subtly with young children. All those entry-level programs for toddlers seem so cute and innocent.

.

But they are simply designed to gain a firm grip on hearts and minds of children.

.

TV: A SUBTLE SERPENT

.

And then, gradually, Satan introduces more ungodliness, more sensual music, more anger, more revenge, more selfishness, more pride, more greed and lust, more and more of Satan’s attributes.

.

And finally, after years of watching the TV and Internet and computer games, these children eventually graduate into adult programming!

.

And by then, they will have the impress of Satan’s character fully engraven upon their hearts!

.

THIS WORLD IS SATAN’S KINGDOM

.

This is what the image of the Beast is all about! This is what the Mark of Satan’s character is all about!

.

The Beast of Revelation 13 & 17, is merely this Antichrist world-order all around us.

.

The kings and kingdoms of this world are the kingdoms of Satan!

.

**Satan is called “the god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4). And this world serves and worships Satan (Revelation 13:4).**

.

Oh yes, there is a form of godliness in this world. Much humanitarianism! But that is merely a façade, to mask all the underlying evil in this, the Devil’s world!

.

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!

Proverbs 25:25

.

Now there is some Good News, parents! Yes, there is a way of escape for you and your children! But it will require a total surrender on your part! You must fully give yourself to the proper rearing of your children! It takes both parents being willing to devote themselves 100% to the God of Heaven! And even if only one parent is willing to fully surrender to the Lord, that is a great first step!

.

No, you must not nag your unwilling spouse! Just hide yourself in Christ, and dedicate your life to prayer and Bible contemplation and devotion to the Lord, for the rest of your family! And God will see your tears, and hear your soft and silent crying for His mercy! And though the situation will often seem hopeless, God will eventually answer your prayers for your family!

.

Just hide yourself in, “His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle”! Psalm 27:5 And if I’ve been unfaithful in my duties, in the past, I can begin today, to plead for mercy and strength to turn my life around!

.

Hide Thyself in thy Chambers- inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

.

To read Part 2, click here…

SEPTEMBER 1 (Our Favorite Babysitter: Satan! Part 2: To Die For My Child!)

TV – the babysitter

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully surrender to Thee! Help my spouse and children! Help me to live a life of Bible contemplation, prayer and spiritual sacrifices for them! Let me trust in all Thy precious promises…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

***FROM WHERE &* *TO WHERE DOES SHE FLEE?***

WOMAN ROTATES THROUGH THE SEASONS…

This page is about the Big Dipper, also called the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major ). However, the ancient pagan cultures did not see this constellation as God intended it to be seen. It is actually a headless woman in childbirth. This is seen in springtime. It is seen in the northern skies.

But as the seasons progress, this travailing woman flips upside down, now appearing as a woman with upraised arms like eagle wings who is running (eventually flying, as shown in sketch on right) into the wilderness (westward).

.

The single star representing her birth-child (Christ) now becomes her head (“Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23

.

The 7 Stars (Big Dipper) is easy to see with its very bright 7 stars. But the Revelation 12 Woman (Ursa Major) must be seen on a dark starry night, away from city lights.

These are star charts from Wikipedia, with sketches of the Woman added.

.

TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 4 (The World’s Worst Human!)”

Adolph Hitler – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #399 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 2 (Where Are My True Affections? Furry Foragers)

By admin On November 30th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 2

.

Where Are My True Affections?

.

“Furry Foragers”

.

Since man’s fall, nature has likewise fallen, to a great degree.

.

And yet, if we look at nature, it’s not hard to see nature’s beauty. Even in this fallen world, nature still retains some of the beauty which our unfallen parents enjoyed in their days when in the paradise called, “Eden, the garden of God”! (Ezekiel 28:13)

.

The hopeful songs of the birds, the quiet mountain brook, the little flower of the field, the giant sequoias, the majestic roar of the ocean waves! These are just a few of the countless wonders of nature!

.

Make Room for Me! Wikimedia – Creative Commons 2.0 License

.

NATURE OUR TEACHER

.

But God has created nature in such a way, that even in its fallen state, all of nature has become a teacher of both good and evil.

.

Listen… “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

.

This above passage from Job gives us a hint about nature’s wisdom. Yes, wherever we look in nature, there is heavenly wisdom to be found!

.

The Little Friend – Rabbit – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

FORAGERS OF THE FIELD AND FOREST

.

Now, today’s devotional will focus on a few of the forest creatures which are classified as foragers.

.

That is, let’s take a moment to consider those little furry creatures whose lives are dedicated to seeking after the green herbs of vegetation in the fields and forests of this world.

.

Now what lesson can we learn from them? Probably many gems of truth can be gleaned from considering their earth-bound existence!

.

But there is an analogy to be seen between them and our own selves. Yes, just like those furry little forest beasts, we too, have spent our short existence, completely devoted to getting as much as we can from the earth!

.

Eastern Grey Squirrel – black – GNU Free Documentation License, – cropped image – Wikipedia.

.

SEEKING AFTER THE THINGS OF THE EARTH

.

Oh no, we don’t look for green herbs like those forest-and-field-foragers!

.

Or do we?

.

Perhaps, in our own way, we do seek for our own version of green herbs: that new car, or that new house, or that better job, or that new stereo system! Could these things be considered our green herbs?

.

Well, one thing is for sure! These are definitely the things of the earth!

.

And prior to our conversion, we have devoted much of our lives to seeking after all those countless things, which come from the earth!

.

Mall Market culture – Jakarta – Wikimedia – share-alike-lic.

.

JESUS: OUR DIVINE PATTERN

.

But when Jesus came to live among us, He lived a life, unconcerned with all such things of the earth! Oh yes, Jesus ate and drank, and wore clothes, and worked as a carpenter, and slept, and enjoyed nature. And yet, these things were not his main focus in life! His main focus was on the virtues of Heaven: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, meekness, self-control, prayer and praise, wisdom, etc…. Yes, His greatest joy was to do the will of His Father in Heaven!

.

And through the pen of Paul, the Apostle, He counsels us… “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

.

John 3:16 – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

.

“THE GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

.

The Good News in all this is, that God has still left open the door of Salvation! And as we look out at this vain and hopeless world, we can begin to look up at that incomprehensible Heavenly gift of everlasting life, offered to each and every person willing to take hold of that gift!

.

Yes, if we will only turn our eyes away from all the perishing things of earth, and turn our eyes upon Jesus; then the words of that old song will begin to speak to our hearts…

.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus! Look full in His wonderful face! And the things of the world, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!”

.

Transfiguration – Bloch – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Take away my love for the things of the world! Give me an all-consuming love for the things of Heaven…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

THE SEEKER (THE SADDUCEE)

LOCATING THIS 3RD FACE

The 3rd face of the Moon is a bit more difficult to locate, because it is mostly upside down. But this photo and this sketch are how this face would appear if it was turned right side up. (In the southern hemisphere, however, this is how the Moon would appear.)

.

The third face is the most difficult to see in the northern hemisphere, but once you do, it then becomes easy. This face is like a furry creature of the field. Maybe a rabbit. Maybe a squirrel. Perhaps a chipmunk. Probably a mouse. All “seekers”; all foragers or scavengers.

.

And while this picture shows this little “beast of the field” right side up, this 3rd face is always pretty much in an upside-down position.

.

The other two faces appear right-side-up, and are easier to locate. This photo and this sketch are both turned around to help you see this 3rd face easily. This enhanced sketch to the above right is merely to help you to see this face more easily. (As already stated, this 3rd face is right side up in the southern hemisphere.)

Moon – 3rd Face – cropped & highlighted photo – Blue Moon – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

ABOVE PICTURE – moon – 3rd face – Sadducee Seeker

LOCATING 3rd FACE AT BEGINNING OF NIGHT

But this sketch here to the right is how this 3rd face actually appears when the Full Moon is in the east, at the beginning of night, in the northern hemisphere. But all you can readily see is the 1st face.

.

What you must do to see the 3rd face is to tilt your head to the right, 90 degrees.

.

Do you see it? (You may find it easier if you just turn your screen on its left side, if you are using a laptop. But please don’t do anything to put your computer in jeopardy!)

.

The easiest time of the month to actually see this face is when the Full Moon is in the east, just after dark. It then can be seen by tilting your head 90 degrees to the right. But as night progresses, the Moon rotates clockwise, until this face is completely upside down, as the Moon works its way to the west.

.

TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 3 (Our Favorite Babysitter: Satan!)”

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #398 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 1 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 2: Vernon McGee & Vain Dogmatism!)

By admin On November 29th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 1

.

Come Out of Her, My People!

.

Part 2 “Vernon McGee and Vain Dogmatism!”

To read Part 1, click here… “Come Out of Her My People! Part 1”

.

**In Part 1 (click here), the case was presented that the fallen churches are the “Mystery Babylon” which God’s Elect must come out of in these last moments of time!**

.

And briefly discussed was the current attitude concerning the “Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory”, which is becoming so ingrained in evangelical thinking, that quite often, those who dare question it, are looked upon as “Thou heretic!” And this idea of two separate comings of Jesus, once prior to the great Time of Trouble, and once after that Time of Trouble, is a wildly popular idea in evangelical circles today!

.

**And the Scofield Bible highly popularized this theologian-coined name, “The Rapture”, to describe Jesus’ first return, just prior to the Time of Jacob’s Trouble.**

.

Scofield Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

VAIN DOGMATISM

.

There was one very popular radio preacher, Vernon McGee, who seemed like a sincere Bible teacher. And yet this man was so locked into his Pre-Tribulation Rapture dogma, that he often spoke in a scornful tone whenever referring to those who do not agree with his almost bigoted views on eschatology!

.

But to this sincere, but erring man’s credit, he did finally admit his own dogmatism (during his study on Daniel, Chapter 12), saying that there may be things revealed in the last days which he did not currently understand!

.

(And truth-be-told, he never came out of this “Pre-Tribulation” error, even though he did finally renounce his “Old-Earth Creation” error!)

.

Audience hands – cropped altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

HOUR IS COMING WHEN ALL WILL RISE

.

And one of McGee’s many Bible prophecy errors was right there in that very Daniel 12 study, on that very same day he admitted his failings!

.

And so, let’s look for a moment at this glaring error!

.

When speaking of Daniel 12, he said that the first resurrection of those who “sleep in the dust of the earth”, during the so-called Pre-Tribulation Rapture was only for New Testament Believers, and not for Old Testament Jews. “The Old Testament Jews”, He confidently stated, “will be resurrected during Christ’s “third Coming” on the Last Day!”

.

The problem with his thinking is, that this seemingly sincere Bible teacher did not take into consideration the Gospel of John, in which Jesus plainly said… “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29

.

Notice this above passage clearly states that, “the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice…”

.

Triumph of Christianity by G. Dore www.christimages.org Limited use license – cropped image – see their website for restrictions

.

BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES RESURRECTED

.

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29

.

This statement by Jesus completely disagrees with the radio Bible teacher’s dogmatic views concerning two resurrections: one for the Old Testament Jews, and one for the New Testament Believers!

.

Oh yes, this passage does speak of two resurrections: one for the saved, and one for the lost! But never does the Bible speak of one resurrection for Old Testament Jews and another for New Testament Believers!

.

Second Coming – Return – Resurrection Morning – Jan Luyken – Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain (2)

.

DOGMATISM: A DEFENSE MECHANISM

.

And because this man’s Bible study is so popular, his dogmatic eschatology has been adopted by a large portion of the church-world.

.

Now it seems that whenever we Bible teachers sense that our teachings are built on a shaky foundation, we begin to scorn anyone who disagrees with us! We even tend to threaten those who reject our teachings! We instinctively know that our doctrine is built on a weak foundation!

.

Yes, this popular radio teacher had no business getting so hard-headed about this theory for which theologians have coined the name, “Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory”. Especially considering such passages as John 5:28… “for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth”.

.

The cardinal rule here should be, that whenever one’s theory has such “loose ends” as John 5:28 poses, there is absolutely no reason to be dogmatic! And yet, such dogmatism seems to thrive in the Christian world today!

.

Beware of dogma – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

NOBLE BEREANS? NOT VERY!

.

And that dogmatism presents a big problem! Because whenever a church becomes dogmatic about their cherished traditions and long-held church-doctrines, then by their own stubbornness, they can no longer enjoy the presence of God’s Spirit!

.

There are many groups today who like to think of themselves as “noble Bereans”. That is, concerning the church in Berea, it is written… “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11

.

Yes, Paul was bringing some brand-new truths to these churches! And unlike other cities, those noble Bereans were willing to study the Bible with an open mind and an eagerness to be corrected in their understanding of the Bible!

.

Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

.

“STUBBORNNESS IS AS INIQUITY & IDOLATRY”

1st Samuel 15:23

.

But “an open mind and an eagerness to be corrected” is hardly what we see today!

.

Rather, today’s various television and radio Bible teachers, for the most part, cling tenaciously to their so-called “orthodox” church doctrines, and often put down those who hold to a different understanding!

.

And when a church or denomination becomes so stubborn, that they are no longer willing to re-examine their long-held cherished doctrines, the Lord can no longer work there!

.

Audience hands – cropped altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

RUN, CHRISTIAN, RUN!

.

And in light of these glaring inconsistencies (and the many other erroneous doctrines), and the vain dogmatism and stubbornness which accompanies those inconsistencies, the Lord is now doing what He long ago promised to do! He is now calling His people to, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

.

The many gross errors and the growing disarray in the evangelical world has created such a City of Confusion, that the Prophet, Habakkuk’s voice is now trumpeting the clarion call… “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2, 3

.

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

.

EXODUS FROM SPIRITUAL BABYLON

.

And so, in light of this hopeless situation in the churches, an orderly and calm and quiet exodus should be made out of the various organizations which comprise spiritual Babylon!

.

And don’t think for a moment that God cannot supply for His people, the water of life in those spiritual hills and mountains!

.

Listen… “And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of (living) waters in the day of the great (spiritual) slaughter, when the towers (churches) fall.” Isaiah 30:25 (parenthesis comments by this Editor)

.

God can certainly, “furnish a table in the wilderness.” (Psalm 78:19). And those who decide to take their stand with God’s faithful remnant will be delighted when they discover the rich spiritual bread and gracious living waters which God will abundantly supply to His people on, “upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill!”

.

Tissot – The Flight of the Prisoners – WIKIPEDIA – US PUBLIC DOMAIN

.

To read Part 3, click here…

MARCH 13 (Come Out of Her, My People, Part 3: Heart Renewal)

thy word have i hid in my heart

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Keep me from becoming dogmatic. Give me a meekness which cause me to be willing to re-examine the things that I believe, in the light of Thy Word of truth…

Morning Prayers – Ebenezer Newman – Downard – 1860 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

THE 5 OFFICES OF ORION

.

But like most of the other Signs which this website reveals, Orion too, has much more to say as he changes his position in the sky. And this Soldier in the Heavens puts on different garb, as he presents the five awesome aspects of his various offices. From ‘Orion the Soldier’, and ‘Orion the Reaper’, and ‘Orion the Archer’, and ‘The Cross of Orion’, and last but certainly not least, “Orion, The Good Shepherd”. This amazing constellation presents a very complex revelation of the God’s magnificent love for a fallen planet.

.

So read on and discover “things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Matt. 13:35

.

TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 2 (Where Are My True Affections? Furry Foragers”

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #397 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 31 (The False Prophet, Part 5: The Scofield Bible)

By admin On November 29th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – Year 2, JANUARY 31

.

The False Prophet,

.

Part 5:

“The Scofield Bible”

To read Part 1, click here…JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)

.

One day, a new Christian was being attacked/plagued by unseen evil angels. And in desperation, he went to a church service in which they claimed to do many signs and wonders.

.

But when he actually showed up, they could not deliver him from trouble, though they tried. But they told this young Christian the following…“Satan is a toothless old lion! He can’t really harm you!”

.

Falling Backwards – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Share-alike License

.

A “ROARING LION” OR A “SLUMBERING OLD TOOTHLESS LION”

.

Contrary to popular opinion, Satan is not, “a slumbering old toothless lion!”

.

This popular misconception has been trumpeted most loudly by the apostate portion of the Church: by the very people who have been the most deceived by the Devil in these last days!

.

No Satan is not slumbering, and neither is he toothless! And he is now coming as the False Prophet, spreading his false doctrines, in an ever-so-cunning manner!

.

Listen to God’s Word… “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1st Peter 5:8, 9

.

Does this passage portray the Devil as a toothless old sleeping lion?

.

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

THE GREAT FALSE AWAKENING!

.

And speaking of the apostate portion of the church, today’s devotional will highlight a certain false doctrine, which the Devil has slipped into the Church many years ago, which has come into full in the last 50 years or so.

.

You see, a few prominent Bible teachers, beginning in the early 1800’s have introduced a false doctrine into the church. And this false doctrine is that Old Testament Israel was not part of the Church. And this idea has no biblical support!

.

The Scofield Bible was the major vehicle for the popularity of the idea of two separate bodies: Old Testament Israel & the New Testament Church!

.

Scofield Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

“YE SHALL NOT ADD!”

.

In the first place, fallible men have no business writing a Bible containing their personal opinions! Man’s opinions have no place in the Bible!

.

Center-column scripture references which refer the reader to similar passages are one thing (see picture). They can be a help for the Bible student.

.

But for mere fallible humans to place their personal, fallible opinions alongside the infallible words of God is the height of presumptuous arrogance!

.

Write a separate book, but don’t put personal opinions in the Bible, as if such dogmatic opinions are worthy of being placed in the Bible!

.

For one thing, the Scofield Bible didn’t believe the entire Old Testament was infallible: Ecclesiastes and Job are two books which the Scofield Bible said contains many statements which are not God-given, but man-inspired! And so, right here, the Scofield Bible proved itself heretical, having the audacity to dare say that some scripture is not to be regarded as infallible doctrine!

.

Scofield Bible – center-column references – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

NOT TO ADD, NOR TO DIMINISH OUGHT!

.

Listen… “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2

.

The Bible warns against adding to, or diminishing ought from God’s Word! And so, the Scofield Bible, by adding its own personal opinions alongside of God’s infallible words, and by discounting the words of Job and Solomon, may well have been guilty of both “adding to”, and “diminishing ought” from God’s Word! Why would the publishers of this heretical work dare get so close to damnation? Why would anyone dare get so close to the edge, and take the chance of “adding to”, or “diminishing ought” from God’s Word? That is the height of foolishness!

.

VARIOUS HERESIES

.

The Scofield Bible has also been credited with popularizing the heresy called “The Gap Theory” in which the Scofield Bible is said to have highly endorsed the idea of long-term Creation (much of the Gap-Theory has reportedly been removed from the Scofield Bible, since the original, 1909 version).

.

And, if that’s not bad enough, the Scofield Bible also popularized the idea that much of the teachings of Christ in the four Gospels are for the Old Testament Jews and not for the Church! Nonsense!

.

Listen to Paul… “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17

.

Yes, the Bible student can be completely confident that any and every statement in the Bible is a true statement! God carefully controlled the statements of the various Bible writers, making sure that every statement was true and trustworthy for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that we may become perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. And that includes the words of Job, and Solomon, and Jesus!

.

COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL: US!

.

But the Scofield Bible didn’t stop here! No, it promotes the idea that Israel was not to be regarded as the same body as New Testament Believers!

.

But listen to God… “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: For through Him we both (Jews & Gentiles) have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:12, 18-20

.

So the Lord is telling us that both Jews and Gentiles are now made one body! We all, are now to be considered the Commonwealth of Israel! Yes, by the “blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13), we are now one body in Jesus!

.

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

THE TWELVE TRIBES: THE CHURCH!

.

Next, just listen to God’s Word… “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the TWELVE TRIBES which are scattered abroad, greeting.” James 1:1

.

James was not written to the literal twelve tribes of Israel! He was writing to the Church! And yet, James wrote this letter in somewhat Old Testament language! But by reading this little book, it is apparent that James was actually writing to the Church!

.

Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

OLD TESTAMENT CHURCH

.

The New Testament is teeming with reproofs (confirmations) about the Church being the Commonwealth of Israel! But the New Testament also refers to Israel as the Church…

.

Listen… “For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the CHURCH will I sing praise unto Thee.” Hebrews 2:11, 12

.

These above words are found in the New Testament, and yet are a quote from the Old Testament! They are from that infamous Messianic Psalm 22, in which David says… “I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.” Psalm 22:22

.

**In this Psalm, David says “congregation”, and yet Paul says “Church”. This is because the name “Church” is merely the same name as the Old Testament name, “Congregation”.**

.

David Playing Harp – www.thebiblerevival.com – US public domain

.

“THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS”

Acts 7:38

.

Listen again… “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, ‘A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear.’ This is He, that was in the CHURCH in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: ” Acts 7:37, 38

.

So once again, Paul refers to the children of Israel as the Church. Once again, the King James translators understood that the “Church” and “Congregation” are the exact same words!

.

Moses Pleading with Israel – Wikipedia – US public domain

.

SCOFIELD NOW PROCLAIMED

.

Now the great problem with putting human opinions alongside God’s Word, is that people begin to elevate that man’s personal opinions as being above reproach!

.

And the Scofield Bible doesn’t display enough fear of God. Quite the contrary, those personal opinions are quite dogmatic! And as a result of the Scofield Bible’s lack of godly fear, this heretical Bible has become a great influence upon the apostate portion of today’s Church.

.

And Satan has given them a big microphone in which to trumpet the Scofield Bible’s false teachings!

.

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

NO NEED FOR APOSTATE TEACHERS!

.

The Good News is that we don’t need the gospel according to the Scofield Bible, nor do we need the Gospel according to any other human!

.

Listen… “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” 1st John 2:27

.

As this above verse reveals, God, through His Holy Spirit is more than capable to teach us everything we need to know! And because the current apostasy is so widespread, it is unsafe to allow ourselves to be under the authority of the current popular teachings in Christendom. As a matter of fact, it would be better to have some errors through our own personal studies, than to rely on others to tell us what to believe and what not to believe!

.

**A good study Bible (without personal opinions inserted!) and perhaps a Strong’s Concordance is all that one needs, coupled with humble, heartfelt prayer!**

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

.

To read Part 6, click here…

FEBRUARY 28 (The False Prophet, Part 6: Wandering Through Hell)

Welcome To Hell – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to begin to study the bible for myself! Give me such a love for truth, that I begin to re-examine those doctrines which I once merely took for granted…

Woman praying – Heinrich Seufferheld – 1893 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

REVELATION 12 WRITTEN IN HEAVEN

.

“And there appeared a great wonder (or sign) in heaven; a woman…And there appeared another wonder (sign) in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads…And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God…And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Rev. 12:1, 3, 6, 15

.

Here is a sketch of this Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12. This is the Winter Constellations of Signs Of Heaven. Besides Orion and his Horse, we also see pictured in this sketch, the Dragon of Revelation 12.

.

This Revelation 12 Woman Constellation is fleeing. As you can see, the Dragon Constellation is spewing a flood of water in her direction, as is written… “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Rev. 12:15. This wave of water represents Satan’s lies, and his false teachers who tell those lies.

.

GOD’S MESSAGE: FLEE!!

.

Beholding the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation in winter, it seems that God is trying to get a very important message across to His people: that His Church is to flee! But what are they to flee from? Well, you can go to the article titled “The Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation”

.

WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

.

TOMORROW…

“FEBRUARY 1 (Come Out of Her, My People! Part 2 Vain Dogmatism!)”

Sunday preaching – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #396 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 30 (The False Prophet, Part 4: Age of Accountability)

By admin On November 28th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – JANUARY 30

.

The False Prophet,

.

Part 4:

Age of Accountability

To read Part 1, click here…JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)

.

Have you ever been selected to be on a jury?

.

And on that jury, were you ever totally convinced of the guilt of the person accused; but then, when you hear the defense attorney’s side of the case, you realize that the person accused, is totally innocent?

.

And then suddenly, you realize this following truth: when two opposing arguments are debated, it takes both sides presenting their arguments, in order to rightly decide just what the actual truth is!

.

Lady justice jury – Wikimedia -US Public Domain

.

BIBLE INTERPRETED SAME WAY

.

And quite often, God has written the Bible in the very same manner. That is, truth cannot be arrived at, simply by hearing just one or two, or even three verses! No, in order to rightly divide “the Word of truth”, one must carefully and prayerfully examine each and every verse connected to any supposed theory, prior to establishing a church doctrine.

.

And even then, an open mind must be maintained, since there may eventually be discovered, yet still more additional verses that will ultimately modify that church doctrine even further!

.

Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

.

Now one false doctrine today, is a counterfeit doctrine tagged by theologians as, “The Age of Accountability”. And this totally non-biblical name describes a very ancient idea that those young children who die at an early age, will get a free pass to go to Heaven, because they were simply too young to know what they were doing, to be charged with sin.

.

Now this totally unbiblical name, “The Age of Accountability”, **was given to this doctrine. But it was established because of another false doctrine, “eternal torment”!**

.

The problem is, just like the totally unbiblical name “Eternal Torment”, the church doctrine, “The Age of Accountability” appears like an actual truth; at least it seems that way, until one examines both sides of the argument, concerning this questionable theory!

.

Magnifying Glass – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

.

HEARING ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT

.

Now perhaps the most convincing supporting passage in Scripture is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke… “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 19:14

.

Now, if this was the only passage concerning children, then we would have to agree with this non-biblical name, “The Age of Accountability”! Yes, if this passage was all that we had on the subject, then it would seem as if little children were guaranteed safe passage into Heaven’s gates!

.

First woman jury – Wikimedia – Public domain

.

MURDER: AN ACT OF LOVE?!

.

Let’s just think this through. If the surety of Heaven for each and every young child was true, then every Christian parent would do well to murder all their little children before they reach the age of accountability! Do you see the absurdity in this archaic old Catholic church-doctrine?

.

And if this non-biblical doctrine was true, then the best thing to do is to have an abortion, thereby guaranteeing your unborn child’s eternal life! It would be the ultimate act of self-sacrificing love!

Rapture – Louis Janmot wikimedia US public domain

.

“My brethren, be not many masters (teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation”

James 3:1

.

**Now, just imagine all those Bible teachers who have been preaching such damnable heresies and “doctrines-of-devils”, known as “the age of accountability”.**

(See 1st Timothy 4:1 for doctrines-of-devils” reference)

.

On Judgment Day, these erring teachers may have to hang their head in shame when they are shown that by teaching this heresy, many women may have been emboldened to abort their own babies, convincing themselves that their aborted baby will get an automatic free ticket to Heaven!

Aborted baby – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT

.

And let’s face it! Any Bible student who happens to be a truth-seeker will not be satisfied by just accepting a doctrine merely because it is a traditional church doctrine, no matter how old that church doctrine is! Scripture must be compared with scripture. We must be willing to re-examine all supposed “orthodox dogma”!

.

And eventually the Bible student will find Psalm 58, which states…. “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when He bendeth His bow to shoot His arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.” Psalm 58:3-8

.

Now here is a passage which seems to say that very young children are not so innocent, and do not automatically receive an unconditional pardon, should they die young.

.

Huckleberry Finn with rabbit – Wikimedia – public domain

.

BAD THEOLOGY OF YESTERYEAR

.

Now this devotional will not attempt to strike the proper balance, but instead, will focus on why we just cannot rely on tradition or church dogma.

.

And this “Age of Accountability” church-doctrine is a perfect example of the bad theology by the apostate churches of the earlier centuries. They just didn’t understand how to rightly divide the Word of Truth. And the Church today has tenaciously clung to many teachings of the apostate church of the past: “Eternal Torment”, “Purgatory”, “The deification of Mary”, are just a few of the many other similar false doctrines, which have somehow survived through the centuries.

.

Nicaea icon – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

WRESTLING WITH SCRIPTURE!

.

Listen to the Apostle, Peter, as he reveals the truth about the complexity of Scripture…“As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2nd Peter 3:16

.

Now today, the very same error is being committed by many Bible teachers. Yes, teachers have the idea that they must cling to long-held church doctrines. And so, they take the position that their very favorite church doctrines must be defended at all costs.

.

And so, when teachers are confronted by such passages as Psalm 58, they must somehow wrestle with Scripture until they have explained away all such contradicting passages.

.

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

.

COMPARING SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

.

One very important truth is found in 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17, in which the Apostle, Paul says… “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

.

Now if we closely examine this above passage, we see that scripture corrects our understanding of scripture. And scripture reproves (confirms) our understanding of scripture! And so, for the purposes of confirmation or for correction, we need to study all scripture!

.

And so, hearing both sides in a court case, is very instructional in helping us to understand more about how to rightly divide “the Word of truth”. And this “Age of Accountability” doctrine is classic example of how the Church has so often mis-interpreted the Bible!

.

La Bible, Notre-Dame – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License

.

To read Part 5, click Here…

JANUARY 31st (The False Prophet, Part 5: The Scofield Bible)

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire and ability to study the Bible for myself, comparing scripture with scripture!

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

“MOON SHALL BE ASHAMED”

“Then the moon shall be confounded (or “ashamed”), and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

But having said all this, why would God speak about the Moon as if it were a person? And why does He say that the Moon will be confounded? How can an inanimate object be confounded (i.e., “perplexed”, “confused”, “amazed”). And why does God refer to the Moon as “her” (“the moon shall not give HER light.” Ezek. 32:7)? Such odd language! But as you read this Moon Into Blood Trilogy, these questions will be answered, plus many more questions, as well.

.

Tilt you head to the left

Do you see a man’s face?

It’s that proverbial “Man in the Moon”. We’ve always taken it for granted. But now we’re learning that God is responsible for creating this Nocturnal Watchman. You see, God has etched Signs in the Moon, long ago. A story? Yes. And just now He is revealing those Signs. Just now He is telling that story. Listen to what Scripture says…

God promised that His covenant with David (who represented Christ)“shall be established for ever as the Moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalm 89

.

TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 31st (The False Prophet, Part 5: The Scofield Bible)”

Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #395 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 29 (Sodom Rising, Part 4: Why Have Our Chickens Come Home?)

By admin On November 14th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – JANUARY 29

.

Sodom Rising:

.

Part 4 “Why Have Our Chickens Come Home?”

To read Part 1, click here… “August 22nd (Sodom Rising! Part 1)”

.

A few years back, a well-known pastor made some statements which shocked the nation.

.

And among those statements, was that infamous quote… “AMERICA! YOUR CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST!”

.

In other words, this pastor was saying that our nation was now receiving our just recompense for our past crimes against humanity!

.

Now, this pastor was not the only well-known pastor to have made such condemning statements regarding this nation.

.

There were a few other famous television pastors who also placed the blame for the 911 attacks on New York City, as being the result of this nation’s growing immorality.

.

Rooster Crowing – Hahn Fredenbaum – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

.

SODOM’S DESTRUCTION!

.

But have God’s judgments come on this nation as a result of the sins of the general populace?

.

Certainly, the Bible speaks of God’s wrath on pagan cultures, who fell under the judgment of God! Sodom and her sister cities are the most notable examples of being destroyed as a result of their various sins.

.

Listen… “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.” Ezekiel 16:48-50

.

In this above passage, God was comparing His very own people to ancient Sodom.

.

And God was threatening to bring the same destruction upon His own people, if they did not repent!

.

Picture – Lot Escapes Sodom – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.

.

JUDGMENTS ON GOD’S PEOPLE?

.

And so, even more than pagan nations, God’s wrath fell upon His own people many times in Scripture!

.

Yes, God repeatedly brought judgment upon His people, because of their disobedience and rebellion!

.

And so, as one looks around at today’s church-world, and sees the growing apostasy within, the question must be asked… “Are God’s judgments on this land, the result of the sins of society? Or are God’s judgments falling as the result of we, God’s people? Could it be that we, God’s people have been worshiping the gods of this world, such as materialism and hedonistic pleasures and proud-career-pursuits? Are God’s judgments falling because we have been drinking from the broken cisterns of this self-seeking world?”

.

Well, certainly those liberal Christians have become immersed in prosperity-driven gospels, to the point that the Bible has been mostly discarded, except for the purposes of mere lip-service!

.

CONSERVATIVES TOO!

.

**But before we point our bony fingers of indignation at “those liberals over there”, we must re-examine our own apostasy!**

.

Yes, even in the so-called conservative circles, we have become mired in our own mammon-loving ways!

.

Just look at conservative Christianity! We have embraced the same opulence and hedonism which led to Sodom’s downfall and ultimate destruction! Yes, conservative Christians attach ourselves to the television and secular radio programs, and allow our children to also immerse themselves in their secular-minded television, sports, and amusements, thus receiving a thorough grooming by evil angels!

.

It reminds one of how James accuses Christians… “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” James 5:5

.

SAME AS SODOM!

.

And in addition to seeking after money and social status, conservative Christians encourage their own children to seek after expensive educations, and the resulting high-paying coveted careers, which eventually drown them in perdition and destruction: the very same perdition and destruction which Sodom suffered, as a result of her opulence and hedonism!

Listen to God’s condemnation of His very own people, comparing them to Sodom…“As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters!” Ezekiel 16:48

.

Young business people – Cropped Photo – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

IN CENTURIES PAST

.

During the Dark Ages, many Christians raised their children to be, “working evangelists!”

.

After a home-school education of memorizing copious amounts of Scripture, the children also learned trades, much like the Apostle, Paul had, as a tent-maker. And thus, these well-trained young adults went from town-to-town, working such trades, as they secretly evangelized whoever they judged might be willing to listen!

.

Listen to Paul’s personal testimony… “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8

.

Paul was not given for us to just place him on a pedestal, to be merely adored and admired! No, Paul was given to be a role-model for Christians in all ages!

.

Listen… “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me (Paul), do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:9.

.

Yes, we are to imitate Paul, not reverence him!

.

Paul Tent-making – La Vista Church of Christ – cropped image – Creative Commons License

.

PRIDE OF LIFE: NOT OF THE FATHER!

1st John 2:16

.

Now for the people of the world, such career-seeking is perfectly fine!

.

**They are merely following the dictates of the, “god of this world”! (see 2nd Corinthians 4:4)**

.

But Christians have been given a different purpose in life! We have the commission to become changed into Christ’s image, so that the world may see Jesus in us, as “ambassadors for Christ”! 2nd Corinthians 5:20

.

And yet today, conservative Christians are rearing their children to pursue careers: to become proud “professionals”, who sell their soul for some socially-elevated-station in life, which usually saps both time and energy from them, to the point that they have no time or energy to study or meditate on Scripture!

.

And when most of us come home from such careers, we are often too exhausted to do anything but plop down in front of the television!

.

Lunch Break – cropped image – Wikimedia Commons – share-alike license

Young business people – Cropped Photo – Wikimedia – the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

.

SATAN HAS LOCKED THINGS UP!

.

Now, of course, to live a life similar to the Apostle, Paul, is getting too difficult in this over-regulated and over-taxed land!

.

But the general principle still remains attainable! In other words, while Christians can’t merely roam the countryside, lawfully, they can still encourage their children to take a lower-paying job: to be hard-working, yet in a less complicated employment, which would allow them more time and energy to devote to prayer, Bible study, and meditation on Scripture!

.

And though they may be paupers in the eyes of men, yet in the sight of God, they will be princes! (not to mention that by living a less-complicated life will keep them from drowning in destruction which usually happens to those who become rich! see 1st Timothy 6:9)

.

No Trespassing sign – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

“ABIDE IN THE SAME CALLING”

.

Now, for those who come into Salvation, the Lord offers this advice through Paul…*“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he w**as called.” 1st Corinthians 7:20*

.

God’s people must begin their Christian walk right where they are.

.

And yet, they can rearrange their lives to make ample room for Bible study, contemplation, and prayer, etc…

.

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE MOST IGNORED BIBLE PASSAGE!

.

Listen… “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things;” 1st Timothy 6:7-11

.

This above passage is perhaps the most ignored passage in all of Christendom! And the same results which Sodom suffered, are pronounced on God’s people, in this above passage!

.

Yes, God has warned us, by the hand of Paul, that we too will suffer Sodom’s destruction, should we pursue the same opulence and materialism which Sodom pursued!

.

Paul Shipwrecked – Acts 27:41-44 – www.lavistachurchofchrist.org – Public Domain

.

And so, as we look around at this decadent and declining society, the real question to be asked is this: “Are the judgments now falling all around us the result of society’s sins? Or are they the result of the sins of God’s people?”

.

GOOD NEWS FOR US!

.

But amidst this awful report, there is found some very Good News!

.

Listen…. “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2nd Chronicles 7:14

.

Yes, although it seems that Sodom and Gomorrah is rising up all around us, as a judgment from God, against we, His people, there is time for repentance!

.

No, God is not looking for a national repentance! But if only one person here, and one person there, will return to the Lord in deep contrition and repentance, the Lord promises to forgive, and heal the sin-laden soil of our heart!

.

And because of the lateness of the hour, this world will continue in its downward spiral!

.

Yet by turning to the Lord with all my heart, God can prepare me to stand in the evil days ahead!

.

TO READ PART 5, CLICK HERE…

FEBRUARY 6 (Sodom Rising, Part 5: True Manliness!)

Prayer – USMC – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a new heart: an ever-growing desire to follow lowly Jesus! Give me Bible-wisdom to know how I must raise my family in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Give me Thy heart, so that I can be a Christlike example to them…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

.

WIDE & NARROW GATES IN THE HEAVENS

As the opening verse says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

So what are these two gates all about? And how can I choose the right door? Well, just read this article and these questions and more will be answered.

But before we explore these questions, let’s take a look at why these two sets of stars represent these two biblical gates.

This sketch, while not 100% accurate, gives a fair portrayal of how this constellation group appears at winter’s end and even into June, when above the western horizon.

HOW THE GATES RELATE TO ORION & DRAGON

This sketch below is when these constellations are in the eastern sky in early winter (However, this constellation group can even be seen as early as July, in the pre-dawn hours).

.

In the eastern sky, it’s not so easily seen which gate the Revelation 12 Woman will enter. The Wide Gate is made of the two brightest stars of this Wave of Water Constellation. Satan spews out the deadly water of his false worldly ideologies; which many of these ideologies have a form of godliness, but in some way are not in harmony; or perhaps these worldly ideologies add to the Bible, which is strictly forbidden (see Deuteronomy 4:2).

**On the other hand, the Strait Gate (narrow gate) is composed of the two brightest stars of the Orion The Reaper’s sickle. The true Strait Gate represents Jesus, the Word of God.**

.

Listen… “I [Jesus] am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

.

TOMORROW…

“JANUARY (The False Prophet, Part 4: Age of Accountability)”

Huckleberry Finn with rabbit – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #394 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 28 (The False Prophet, Part 3: The Image That Speaks!)

By admin On November 13th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – JANUARY 28

.

The False Prophet,

.

Part 3:

The Image That Speaks!

To read Part 1, click here…JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)

.

“And I beheld another beast (the False Prophet) coming up out of the earth;

and he had two horns like a lamb,

and he spake as a dragon.

And deceives them that dwell on the earth

by the means of those miracles

which he had power to do in the sight of the (first) beast;

saying to them that dwell on the earth,

that they should make an image to the (first) beast,

which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

And he (the False Prophet) had power to give life unto the image of the beast,

that the image of the beast should both speak,

and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

Revelation 13:11, 14, 15

.

ABOVE PICTURE: The False Prophet, (the 2nd Beast) – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

This above passage from Revelation 13, concerns the second beast, The False Prophet.

.

This speaks of satanic power which arose out of the earth.

.

But there are two beasts described in Revelation 13.

.

THE FIRST BEAST

.

Now the first beast of Revelation 13, rose up from the sea (the sea of nations), ruling over the European nations through the Dark Ages via the apostate churches. And this tyrannical apostate church used the civil powers of those nations as its “Enforcers”, to banish, torture, and kill Bible-believing Christians, along with their Bibles!

.

Now, this above scenario was the common understanding of the Book of Revelation regarding the apostate European churches throughout the Dark Ages! And as you can see, this 500-year-old engraving depicts the first beast of Revelation 13, being rode upon by the Mystery Babylon Harlot of Revelation 17, and 18.

.

The whoring woman represents the apostate portion of the Church. The beast seems to represent the kings and kingdoms which have ruled over Satan’s kingdom, this world.

The woman being the world-loving churches riding this antichrist world-system.

.

This first beast tried to crush out both Bible-loving Christians and destroy the Bible as well! This reign of terror went on for many centuries until the Reformation finally delivered to the 1st Beast its deadly wound via the printing press, now churning out Bibles by the thousands!

.

No longer could those apostate churches enforce their oppressive tyranny and unbiblical doctrines upon the peoples of Europe! The common people could now read the Bible for themselves!

.

**Yes, it was God’s “glittering sword”, the Bible, which ultimately delivered the deadly wound to this first beast. *(See Deuteronomy 32:41 & Ephesians 6:17)***

.

Whore – Babylon riding Antichrist Beast – Burgkmair – 1523 AD – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

Burning at the Stake – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Book Burning – Santo Domingo y Los Albigenses – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE SECOND BEAST

.

But Satan was not ready to concede! No, he had another beast which rose up out of the earth, via the industrial revolution, which produced goods made from the things in the earth! While the power of the first beast came from the sea of nations and the peoples of the Old World, the second beast’s power came from the decadent wealth, and the hedonistic materialism which resulted from that industrial/technology revolution in the New World!

.

Of course, this False Prophet now preaches a gospel of prosperity to the entire world! Combined with false miracles, this quasi-religious beast preaches a type of Christianity mingled with materialism and wealth: a compromised gospel having “another Jesus…another gospel…and another spirit” than that of the Bible-only! (See 2nd Corinthians 11:4)

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel – www.signsofheaven.org

.

FIRST BEAST IN SATAN’S IMAGE

.

Now the Bible says that this second beast will command the entire world to make an image to the first beast, who received the deadly wound by the sword of God! And this first beast, being in the image of the Revelation 12 Dragon, is actually in the image of Satan (compare Revelation 12:3 with Revelation 13:1).

.

And these various heads, horns, and crowns on both the Dragon and the Beast are a symbolic picture of Satan’s kingdom!

.

And Satan’s kingdom is really all about Satan’s character: And this first beast’s character, depicted by his duplicate appearance, is obviously a very close, “carbon copy” of the Dragon’s (Satan’s) character!

.

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

AN IMAGE THAT SPEAKS

.

Now before this gets any more complicated, let’s focus on the verse… “And (the second beast) deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the (first) beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the (first) beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he (the second beast) had power to give life unto the image of the (first) beast, that the image of the (first) beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the (first) beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:14, 15

.

Now in all of earth’s history, there has never been an image which could speak! All the idols throughout history were dumb idols of stone, wood, or metal. The Bible says… “They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.” Jeremiah 10:5

.

And so, this above passage describes the lifeless idols of yesteryear which could not talk, nor walk, nor do good, nor do any evil!

.

Picture-Gold Calf-Wikipedia-public domain

.

But Revelation 13 tells of an image which now can speak and cause that people should be killed!

.

Exclamation Mark – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

A RISE TO POWER

.

Now as we look through Christendom, we can see a spirit which slowly rose up to power through the Twentieth Century. And this spiritual power came in the form of the so-called “Pentecostal” prosperity-driven gospels.

.

One hundred years ago, this was merely a tiny phenomenon. But in the 1960’s this miracle-working power began to become mainstream, eventually being embraced by almost every denomination on a world-wide scale!

.

Now one great tip-off that this is a counterfeit movement is the lawlessness connected with it! Yes, it seems that the more lawless these prosperity-driven churches are, the greater are the so-called miracles in those same religious bodies!

.

Laying on of hands – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

FOLLOWING LOWLY JESUS

.

And one of the counterfeit miracles in those churches is that the, so-called, “holy spirit”, is speaking to these churchgoers in their minds! And by speaking comfortable words, via a nondescript voice in the mind, millions of Christians all over the world are connected to this faux-religious spirit.

.

One of the problems with all this, is that this prosperity-driven gospel can never have the blessing of the Christ of the Bible! Because the Christ of Scripture plainly declares… “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33

.

And as this above verse reveals, when a man, woman, or child desires to become a disciple and follower of Jesus, the Savior tells us… “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come and follow Me.” Matthew 19:21

.

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

TRUE CHRISTIANITY

.

When a person becomes a Christian, the true Holy Spirit comes into the heart of that new Christian, causing him or her to lose interest in the things of this selfish world. And materialism is one of those lusts that just seems to fall away from the desires of the Christian.

.

And instead of seeking the pleasures and treasures of this present world, the Christian now spiritually views life through the eyes of Jesus! And the salvation of souls and the desire to become changed into the image of Christ now becomes the paramount desire of the Christian!

.

Oh yes, the Christian feels a great responsibility to provide for the needs and the contentment of his or her family! And so, the Christian now cheerfully carries out the mundane duties of life, providing housing, food, and contentment, while trying to gently raise the children in the “nurture and admonition” of the Lord! (Ephesians 6:4)

.

Braet von Überfeldt – Woman with Bible – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

A WORLD-LOVING GOSPEL

.

But this above description of the Christian life is a far cry from today’s prosperity-driven gospels!

.

Rather, their carnal hearts are bent on gaining the earthly mammon which their prosperity-driven religion focuses on! And this speaking spirit-voice within, gives them soft quasi-biblical counsels, as they go through their world-loving day! And so, such deceived ones think that God is working marvelously through them! But this counterfeit spirit is none other than the spirit of devils, working counterfeit miracles, imitating the true Holy Spirit.

.

Listen… “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with ALL POWER SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS,” 2nd Thessalonians 2:8, 9

.

Here is a very brief description of this miracle-working False Prophet. And he has power to counterfeit all the signs and wonders of the true Holy Spirit! He talks to them! He helps them find their lost car keys! He gives them excitement in their worship services! He even helps some of them acquire the treasures of earthly mammon which their hearts lust after!

.

Rock Music Christian CHURCH STP 2010 Pomona wikimedia public domain

.

“THE SPIRIT OF ERROR”

1st John 4:6

.

But this mammon-loving gospel is altogether foreign to true Christianity! Listen to Jesus… “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

.

So, in light of this above passage, how in the world can these people be so deceived? Well, 2nd Thessalonians, Chapter 2 holds the answer…

.

Listen… “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, 12

.

The unholy spirit who talks to them, also causes them to misread the Bible, bringing them into strong delusion! And instead of conforming themselves into the image of Christ, this counterfeit holy spirit causes them to become conformed to image of Satan: impatience, anger, greed, dishonesty, lust, money-seeking, joking/jesting and cheap common talk are just some of the qualities which rule over those who are under the authority of this talking image impersonator!

.

ABOVE PICTURE: The False Prophet, (the 2nd Beast) – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

.

“GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY!”

Proverbs 25:25

.

Now is there any Good News here? Is there any hope for such deluded individuals?

.

Yes, God is willing to receive all such who come to Him in true repentance and genuine, heart-felt contrition!

.

And those who are willing to let go of this proud and selfish world, and begin to follow lowly Jesus, can become true disciples of Master!

.

But we must be willing to let God crucify us! We must be willing to walk through the fires of tribulation, so that our earthly dross may be burned away, that we may ultimately come forth as pure gold!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

LYING SIGNS AND WONDERS

.

THE READER IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THIS 25-MINUTE AUDIO BIBLE STUDY FROM JEREMIAH, CONCERNING FALSE SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS IN TODAY’S APOSTATE CHURCHES. THIS STUDY IS CONDUCTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

.

ABOVE PAINTING: The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

.

To read Part 4, click here…

JANUARY 30th (The False Prophet, Part 4: Age of Accountability)

Huckleberry Finn with rabbit – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to fully understand these two beasts of revelation 13. Help me to search Thy Word concerning all this…

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night.

.

This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

**When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!**

.

ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – wikipedia star-chart with orion drawn in by this website – not for commercial use

.

TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 29 (Sodom Rising, Part 4: Why Have Our Chickens Come Home?)”

Picture – Lot Escapes – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #393 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 27 (The False Prophet, Part 2: Universal Mind-Control!)

By admin On November 13th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – JANUARY 27

.

The False Prophet,

.

Part 2:

“Universal Mind-Control!”

To read Part 1, click here…JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)

.

Are you old enough to remember the Patty Hearst scandal? Well, Patty Hearst, granddaughter of infamous Newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst was kidnapped by a group of political radicals. And the whole world was wondering where she was! And then, after some months, she made her appearance, taking part in an armed bank robbery, holding a machine gun!

Patty Hearst - Wikipedia - Public Domain

.

Well, needless to say, the world was shocked! How could this sweet young lady take part in an armed robbery, alongside with her kidnappers?

.

Well, after some time, Patty revealed that she had been fully indoctrinated during the time of her captivity. And gradually, she began to sympathize with her captors!

.

So those of us who followed her story were completely stunned by that entire drama, concerning that little rich girl, Patty Hearst, and her apparent brain-washing!

.

Patty Hearst – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

SATAN’S KINGDOM OF LIES!

.

But what most people are not aware of, is that we too have been kidnapped, and are being held captive in the Kingdom of Satan! Few people know this very well-kept secret!

.

**And furthermore, even fewer understand that Satan, “the god of this world” has been busily reconstructing this world, turning it into one giant indoctrination center!**

.

Oh yes, this world has always been an indoctrination center! But now, with the advent of television, radio, and Internet, combined with all the high-tech hand-held devices, Satan has a ten-fold ability to brainwash the entire world, and your children too!

.

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

.

AN IMAGE TO SATAN’S CHARACTER!

.

Now in his role as the False Prophet of Revelation 13, Satan is busily causing the world to “make an image to the beast” Revelation 13:14. Yes, the very qualities that rule Satan’s world, are the same qualities which Satan is now etching upon the tables of our hearts!

.

And of course, Satan fully understands that it is much easier to begin his indoctrination on very young minds! And so we are seeing our school systems beginning to teach Antichrist ideologies. Of course, public schools, for many decades, more-or-less have been Satan’s instrument of indoctrination! But ever since secularists took over the school systems, there has been a cold-war against anything Christian. And as of late, this subtle war has been ratcheted up to a full-scale attack against Christianity.

.

Now to be fair, there are, no doubt many dedicated teachers and administrators, who have no idea that they are being used as pawns in Satan’s game of chess.

.

A THOROUGH INDOCTRINATION

.

But Satan uses each and every person who has not, “forsaken all to follow Jesus”! And so, not only does the child get a thorough indoctrination by the modern-day school curriculum, but he or she also becomes indoctrinated by fellow classmates!

.

Yes, when a child begins in public schooling, before long, that young child gets an informal street education by fellow students! And that young child quickly loses whatever innocence he or she previously had!

.

Not only does the child get a sex-education, but also receives the do’s and don’t’s of the worldly ways of Satan’s Antichrist world! How to dress, and how not to dress! How to talk, and how not to talk! How to be “cool”, and how not to be “cool”! What kind of make-up to wear! How to be popular, and just who is unpopular!

.

In other words, dear Christian parent, your child will come out of his or her education, thoroughly schooled on just about any topic concerning this Antichrist world!

.

Street basketball during a church fair – Wikimedia – share-alike license

.

TELEVISION

.

Well, if Christian parents allow their children to watch the average TV shows, then the indoctrination they receive at school is superfluous! And according to statistics, the vast majority of Christian children attend public schooling. And so, these statistics tell a great deal about the average Christian family. It reveals that God’s professed people are in serious trouble!

.

While Christian parents are seeking after the earthly pleasures and worldly treasures, Satan has been stealing a march upon Christians and their children!

.

COME OUT OF BABYLON!

.

The message is now sounding… “Come out of her (Babylon, the Mystery Harlot), My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4.

.

Now this above message is mostly about coming out of the apostate church-world. But certainly Christian parents are even serving, “secular Babylon”, by sending their children to those secular institutions!

.

Now of course, God well understands that divorce and other factors make it very hard for many parents to do everything they would like to.

.

But all such who are prisoners of this Babylonish society, must give even more of their spare time in devotion to their children’s Salvation! A full submission to God is not just an option here! It is a requirement, if we will gain God’s Salvation for our children!

.

Morning Prayers – Ebenezer Newman – Downard – 1860 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

GOOD NEWS! A LITTLE TIME LEFT!

.

But here again, there is some really Good News! The Bible says… “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

.

Yes, with the growing wickedness, God’s grace doth much more abound! God is willing to do His part, if the Believer is willing to do his or her part! And if the Believer is willing to allow the Lord to crucify the flesh, then God can do miracles in that family.

.

And though victory may not come immediately, yet that Believer is now walking the upward pathway to the Celestial City of God! And in the midst of fiery trials, that faithful Believer will begin to see tokens of God’s blessing scattered along that pathway of tears! Yes, the Christian life is one of both, joy and tears! This is the great paradox of the Christian sojourn!

.

Listen… “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5, 6

.

As this above passage reveals, we are to bear precious seed, as we flee to heavenly Zion! And as we fix our eyes upon “the Land that is very far off”, the Gospel seed will be scattered all along the way!

.

ABOVE PICTURE – winter Constellations – Woman of Revelation 12 (Ursa Major) flees to the mountains – Mark 13:14 – Dragon comprised of Hyades, Pleiades, etc…Valley of Decision mountain comprised of Cassiopeia, etc… (This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture since this mountain is not in this position, but is actually seen in the fall months)

.

To read Part 3, click here…

JANUARY 28 (The False Prophet, Part 3: The Image That Speaks!)

Pied Piper of Television – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only – – copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to lay down my life on the altar of self-sacrifice! Give me great wisdom and knowledge of Thy Word, and Thy will! Help me with my children! Bring us through this Antichrist world, and deliver us from the great evil all around us…

Girl Praying – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

LOCATING THE DRAGON

.

(Revelation 12 DRAGON IS NOT DRACO!)

.

First, let it be stated, that this Dragon Constellation is not the same constellation commonly referred to as “Draco” (photo to right is Draco).

.

This Revelation 12 Dragon from Signs Of Heaven, has not been previously recognized. But you will discover that it is a very intricate and complex constellation, once you are comfortable locating it (picture below, right).

.

Draco, (Picture right) Ursa Minor – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

REVELATION 12 DRAGON

Revelation 12 Dragon w/text

.

The star-charts below (to the right, and also below) are from Wikipedia and are combined into one chart to show these three constellations, which the editor has sketched over with these three constellations, as they appear when in the west. Hopefully, this will be an assist in locating these constellations in the night-sky.

.

LOCATION…

Wikipedia star-charts winter constellation in West

.

The Revelation 12 Dragon Constellation can be located by finding Orion in winter months. The Dragon is to Orion’s left, and the Dragon’s mouth is right next to Orion’s shield. This Dragon’s mouth is the V-like constellation The Hyades Cluster, which is also known as the head of Taurus the Bull. The Dragon’s tail-tip is Pleiades and the lower shaft of his tail is partly of Aries and Pisces. Then with aid of a dark and starry night, you may begin to connect the mouth and the tail with a very long body in an oval shape. The front and back legs are made of a few stars: the front legs partially of stars from Taurus . The back legs and rear fin are made of 6 stars from the Cetus Constellation.

.

BODY HARD TO SEE

.

The long oval-shaped body has relatively few stars, but can been seen, howbeit with a dark, starry night. The four stars of the front fins are made partially of Taurus .

.

FIRST APPEARS IN MID-SUMMER

.

This Dragon constellation appears in the eastern horizon about mid-summer in the pre-dawn hours, spewing his flood-waters northward toward the Revelatio n 12 Woman in Travail (not pictured in this chart).

Dragon of Revelation 12 Constellation

.

The Wave of Water is primarily composed of the Constellation Auriga. There are two dimmer stars (#’s 1 & 2) which are closest to the Dragon’s mouth. These two dimmer stars are also part of this Wave of Water, but are not part of the Auriga Constellation.

.

THE ZODIAC NAMES

It is not the purpose, nor the desire of www.theheavensdeclare.net to give any validity or recognition to the Zodiac or any pagan deities. But unfortunately, the common names of many constellations (such as Scorpio or Sagittarius, etc.), must be given, solely for the purpose of locating them on star-charts.

.

TOMORROW…

” JANUARY 28 (The False Prophet, Part 3: The Image That Speaks!)”

Pied Piper of Television – TV – www.theheavensdeclare.net – for non-profit use only – commercial use by permission only – – copyrighted by signsofheaven.org

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #392 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)

By admin On November 12th, 2014

.

Daily Devotional – JANUARY 26

.

The False Prophet:

.

“Lying Eyes!”

.

A relatively new Christian was enjoying a nice sunny day in Lithia Park in Ashland Oregon. But all was not peace and serenity! No, Satan had been making life very difficult for this neophyte Christian! And in the midst of that tribulation, he found himself there in that Shakespearean park!

.

But as he sat on a park bench, he was approached by a young lady, dressed in hippy garb, and long straight hair. She confronted the Christian, and began her evangelistic effort…

.

“Would you like to find peace and serenity?” she asked.

.

“Well sure, I guess.”, answered the young Christian.

.

“Well, I have found that peace and serenity, by following the ‘Way of Peace’ Eastern Mysticism!” retorted the young lady.

.

“Oh, well, uh, you see, I’m, uh, a Christian and I, uh, believe the Bible.”, answered the young Christian (now made nervous by her overwhelming confidence and her look of peace and serenity!)

.

“But if you join our group, you find that peace and serenity that you seem to be missing out on!”, she finally said.

.

Lithia Park Green – by Shakespearian theater-by ‘Demi’ for Wikipedia – Share-alike License

.

“PEACE, PEACE, WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE!”

Jeremiah 6:14

.

And with that the young lady moved on! And the young Christian, while having no desire to join any non-Christian religion, was somewhat confused because of the look of total peace and serenity in the young lady’s eyes!

.

Yes, she almost looked as if she was floating an inch or so, above the earth! And she truly had the look of peace and serenity in her eyes!

.

And being a somewhat new Christian, the young man was perhaps, a bit naïve. And so, he was even more confused because he had been suffering a great deal of tribulation at the hands of the Tormentor, Satan! Yes, this newbie Christian realized that he did not possess such peace and serenity which that young lady seemingly had found!

.

Question Marks – At a loss – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

.

THE BIBLE, THE ONLY TRUE TEST

.

And, well, isn’t it true that there are many different denominations and “other gospels” which tell us that they have the answer to our problems!

.

Yes, we may see some charismatic individual who gathers to himself a group of followers. And this man (or woman) may have that look of peace and serenity in his eyes! But as we know, that is no proof that the Holy Spirit dwells in that person’s heart!

.

Listen… “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:19

.

Yes, the test of all truth is, “Is it in harmony with God’s Word?”

.

ABOVE PICTURE: Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

.

“CULTS”: NOT THE TEST FOR TRUTH

.

**Now, truth-be-told, there are many even in the Church, who try to use other methods to discern between truth and error.**

.

For instance, some will say, “Well all the cults teach this or that! Therefore it cannot be truth!”

.

The problem with this kind of rationale is, that cults are usually made up with lies mingled together with much truth!

.

And if the Church still clings to some error, then you can be sure, Satan will capitalize on that error, bringing the truth they have shunned, into the cults. So you cannot discern truth or error based upon what cults believe or do not believe!

.

Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

THE DECEPTION OF CONSENSUS

.

Another great error is, that because some denomination has the greatest numbers of followers, this is proof that they have the truth. Or perhaps they believe that because there is a general consensus among theologians concerning this or that church-doctrine, that such consensus proves the veracity of that questionable doctrine!

.

But remember, when Elijah contested between the 450 prophets of Baal, the odds were 450-to-1 against Elijah! And yet it was Elijah who prevailed, because he had the truth on his side!

,

Listen… “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil;” Exodus 23:2

.

So it is totally meaningless how many there are who hold to this or that doctrine! And let’s face it! Theologians like to read one-another’s books! And so, no wonder there’s a general consensus between theologians! They’re all reading each other’s books!

.

Elijah and the two altars -1st Kings 18-38 – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public Domain

.

INTIMIDATION

.

Now just about every false gospel tries to intimidate their followers. And it does not matter how big or how small, or how respected or un-respected is that false gospel. Nor does it matter how “orthodox” or mainstream is that gospel! Whenever a religious denomination begins to intimidate its members over some questionable doctrine, then “red flags should go up”, as the saying goes!

.

Yes, religious teachers seem to instinctively know when this or that beloved old church-doctrine is built on a shaky foundation! And it is those very pet doctrines, over which they will intimidate anyone who dares to question those “fragile” church-doctrines! In other words, they love their beloved old church-doctrines more than they love truth!

.

And instead of re-examining what they believe, they instead, “circle the wagons”, as the saying goes, and try to defend and hold fast to their traditional beliefs!

.

Church – Audience hands – cropped and altered image – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

GOD’S WORD THE ONLY TRUE TEST!

.

Now there is some really Good News! The door of Salvation is still open! And we may come to the Lord upon our spiritual knees and ask Him for wisdom! And of course, the “many counsellors” found in God’s Word, are the true counsellors who will guide us in to all truth!

.

Yes, the only way to discern truth is the time-tested criteria: to search the Word of God, carefully and prayerfully for one’s own self!

.

Listen… “But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you…” 1st John 2:27

.

As this above verse from 1st John reveals, the Holy Spirit is both willing and able to teach the true worshiper of God! And that true worshiper does not need to be under the authority of any man or any church! We can study at home, for our own self!

.

And now that we are living in the days of apostasy, we can take comfort that God’s grace is abounding! And like never before in history, God will hold us fast from the four winds of false doctrines which seem to be blowing from every direction!

.

USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – Public Domain

.

To read Part 2, click here…

JANUARY 27 (The False Prophet, Part 2: Universal Mind-Control!)

TV – highquality – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me knowledge of Thy Word, and the wisdom in that Word, so that I may know the truth, and discern all falsehood…

Morning Prayers – Ebenezer Newman – Downard – 1860 – Wikipedia – Public Domain

.

THE END

.

TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

.

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads…And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Revelation 12:1, 3, 15

.

***GOD’S* CREATIONS: *BEAUTY AND WISDOM***

“For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” Psalm 32:6

.

The majestic waves of the sea. One of the most beautiful creations in nature! The sounds of the crashing surf! The moist wind and spray upon one’s face! Truly, standing upon the sand, and facing the ocean surf overwhelms all the human senses! It’s quite an exhilarating experience to say the least!

.

But the ocean and the surf, and the sand were created by God, not merely for beauty’s sake; but also to teach. And the Bible has interwoven many aspects of nature into the Gospel story. And these various things in nature were created by God to instruct Mankind in Bible truths, both good and bad.

.

Mavericks Surf Contest 2010 – Wikipedia – share-alike license

.

LOCATION…

**The Wave Constellation is primarily comprised of the Auriga Constellation plus one star from Taurus, plus one more star.**

.

The Winter Constellations are depicted in this below sketch to the right, and shows this constellation group as they are seen in early winter, as they rise in the eastern skies. The Woman is in the north. The Dragon and Orion are farther south from the Woman.

WINTER CONSTELLATIONS-SEEN IN FALL: This sketch to the right is how this constellation group appears in the eastern sky in fall. This is the four primary constellations of the Winter Constellations. They can be seen in this position, in the late fall above the eastern horizon. The Woman of Revelation 12 is commonly called Ursa Major or The Big Dipper and appears in the north. Orion the Soldier is the at the bottom is to the south of the Woman. The The Dragon of Revelation Constellation’s mouth isThe Hyades Cluster, and the tip of his tail is Pleiades, and his Wave of Water is primarily the Auriga constellation. The Glorious Horse Constellation head is of Perseus Constellation and his rear end is Cassiopeia Constellation.

(Editor’s note: It is impossible to make this chart accurate, and visually correct, because the dome effect of the sky makes these constellations look different than they appear when placed on flat paper.)

.

TOMORROW…

” JANUARY 27 (The False Prophet, Part 2: Universal Mind-Control!)”

TV – highquality – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

.

20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

.

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #391 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

.

above picture: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Devouring Fire.com

Daily Devotional, Year 2 – FEBRUARY 4 (The World’s Worst Human!)

.

.

Daily Devotional – FEBRUARY 4

.

.

.

.

The World’s Worst Human!

.

.

.

.

.

Do you remember seeing the video of the hanging of Saddam Hussein? Well, it was not a very nice thing, was it?

.

Or maybe we rather enjoyed seeing Saddam getting his just reward?

.

And what about all the other wicked despots and villains through history? How do we feel about them? Such men as Adolph Hitler, or Stalin, or the Boston Strangler, or Ted Bundy, or Jeffrey Dahmer?

.

Well, it would be difficult to feel any love for these evil men! That’s for sure!

.

.

.

.

.

.

DID CHRIST DIE FOR ADOLPH?

.

But what about Jesus Christ? Did He love those desperately wicked individuals? Did He also die for their sins?

.

There is a popular saying in Christendom, which says… “If you were the only sinner on earth, would Christ have come to die for you?”

.

And the obvious answer is that, “Yes, if you or I were the only sinner who ever lived, Christ would have given His life for you or I!”

.

Well then, what if Adolph Hitler was the only sinner, would Christ have given His life for Adolph? Or what about Osama Bin Laden? Would Christ have given His life for that evil man?

.

Or did Christ merely give His life for we who are not considered to be so bad?

.

So then, if Christ did give His life for the Bin-Ladens and Ted Bundys of the world, then what should our position be, concerning such evil men?

.

.

.

.

.

.

PAUL, THE CHIEF OF SINNERS!

.

Listen to Paul, the Apostle… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1st Timothy 1:15

.

Well, Paul (who was a mass murderer prior to his salvation) here is calling himself, “the chief of sinners”! This means that Paul considered himself to be the worst of the worst!

.

But remarkably, Paul likewise says that this saying is “worthy of all acceptance”! In other words, you or I can also say along with Paul, “I too, am the chief of sinners”!

.

.

.

.

.

.

WELL, I’M NOT SO BAD, AM I?

.

.

But the Bible makes this statement about you and me… “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9, 10

.

.

.

.

.

GOD LOOKETH UPON THE HEART

.

You see, while we judge according to outward appearances, the Lord looks upon the incredible wickedness which exists deep within our hearts!

And the fact is, God could have easily allowed the Devil to use you or me, instead of Adolph Hitler, if we had lived back then in Germany!

.

Yes, we have that much wickedness in our hearts! None of us can hold our head up!

.

And none of us will hold our head up high on Judgment Day, when God reveals the hidden things of darkness, and the secrets of men’s hearts, that exists in each one of us!

.

.

.

**Well, Paul (who was a mass murderer prior to his salvation) here is calling himself, “the chief of sinners”! This means that Paul considered himself to be the worst of the worst!**

**But remarkably, Paul likewise says that this saying is “worthy of all acceptance”! In other words, you or I can also say along with Paul, “I too, am the chief of sinners”!**